Windows 10 felt like an apology to keyboard and mouse users who couldn't take to its touch-centric predecessor - but the operating system's Anniversary Update places its emphasis on pen/pencil and stylus improvements.

Formerly known as Redstone, the OS refresh gives any handwriting fans new ways to interact with their tablet or computer through a feature called Ink.

For example, if you were to scribble out "dentist appointment next Tuesday" with your stylus, Windows 10 will recognise that a date has been written, and automatically convert the text into a reminder with Cortana functionality.

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Other new stylus features include the ability to circle a point of interest on a map, the option to delete text by striking a line through it, and stencil support to supercharge your digital drawing sessions.

Cortana improvements are also a major part of the Anniversary update, with the Halo-inspired assistant set to become more conversational when it lands.

She will even be able to imitate the 1960s Batman theme tune - but on a more productive note, the Siri rival can now add flight details to your personal schedule and will automatically send relevant documents to co-workers ahead of business meetings.

New universal apps for Starbucks, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger are hitting the Store soon, and Windows 10 software and a developer mode is coming to Xbox One as part of the update.

The Anniversary Update was showcased at Microsoft's 2016 Build conference ahead of its summer rollout - and Microsoft has also confirmed that Windows 10 has reached more than 270 million users worldwide.